I loved Jax and Poppy’s long awaited romance and all of the tumultuous emotions and the baring of souls that lead to their hard won happy ending. It’sI loved Jax and Poppy’s long awaited romance and all of the tumultuous emotions and the baring of souls that lead to their hard won happy ending. It’s a deeply emotional reckoning featuring an emotionally tortured loner who is determined to keep the world at arm’s length as he battles with personal demons and the forbidden attraction he feels for his best friend’s younger sister. Poppy and the entire Wilder family are struggling to cope with their beloved father’s death when the family rallies around Poppy’s shocking pregnancy news but all heck breaks loose when Jax announces he’s the father. I have to admit I loved the chaos that ensues when Jax, Poppy, her so called boyfriend (it’s more of a friendship thing) and the entire family struggle to deal with the fallout. Poppy is intuitive enough to insist on a friend’s only relationship that coaxes Jax’s confessions when he’s ready and his unburdening reflects his love, maturity and his emerging priorities. The longing and sexual tension between Poppy and Jax is enthralling, the riotous behavior of the Wilder siblings is endlessly entertaining, and their happily ever after made me swoon....more
The vast majority of this story revolves around a totally dysfunctional family of women whose entire lives revolve around ballet while they suffer thrThe vast majority of this story revolves around a totally dysfunctional family of women whose entire lives revolve around ballet while they suffer through an embattled relationship with their emotionally abusive, famous former dancer mother. I wish I could say I was a fan because there were some parts of the story that were appealing but I was expecting a romance between Hudson and Allie rather than a preposterous scheme woven by a manipulative 10 year old. Instead the story revolves around Hudson’s niece Juniper who desperately longs to study ballet against her mother’s wishes and coerces the pair into making it happen behind her mother’s back. Hudson and Allie are reluctant partners in crime while he pines for a love match and she constantly rebuffs him when it suits her for her art. I was really disappointed that the author skimmed over the particulars of Hudson’s military career as a rescue swimmer in favor of repetitively featuring Allie’s mercurial temperament, selfishness, and her oh-so-constant whining. There are a hand full of interesting plot twists I didn’t see coming amid the backstabbing machinations of Allie’s fellow dance company members, and the multitudes of bullying social media posts on a site run by Allie’s manipulative younger sister. The skilled vocal acting performances of Carly Robbins and Teddy Hamilton were responsible for helping me get through the repetitive storyline so kudos to them for their participation....more
Ian and Harlow’s coveted besties relationship, years in the making, is tested when, upon her return to Sisters, Oregon, he impulsively invites her andIan and Harlow’s coveted besties relationship, years in the making, is tested when, upon her return to Sisters, Oregon, he impulsively invites her and her 10 year old daughter, Sage, to move in with him. As Harlow struggles with writers block and painful parental criticism, and Ian fights his demons with his usual surly attitude, their relationship undergoes a metamorphosis rich with treasured memories of their youth, and new routines as they rediscover a new way forward after being apart in the intervening years since Harlow left town. I loved Sage’s beyond-her-years wisdom, her absolute passion for football, and her never ending verbal quips that display a total lack of a filter. The slow growing physical awakening between Harlow and Ian is both frustrating and appealing as both characters struggle to hide their sexual longing for fear of ruining the phenomenal bond they share. I howled with glee at the highly annoying behavior of Ian’s siblings who tease him mercilessly as the whole family, especially mom Sheila, struggle in their own way through the recent loss of their beloved patriarch. The emotionally riveting storytelling and lovable yet fallible characters in this awesome series are my latest guilty pleasure...more
I really love it when a hero falls first! Cameron is still uncharacteristically infatuated with an emotionally rattled young woman he met a month earlI really love it when a hero falls first! Cameron is still uncharacteristically infatuated with an emotionally rattled young woman he met a month earlier in a stranded elevator when she unexpectedly appears in his home town pretending to be a total stranger. Ivy has more defenses than a prickly porcupine when she shows up in Sisters, Oregon having been exiled from her life in New York by her controlling, yet aloof, father. Ivy presents herself as a rich and haughty ice princess with a sharp tongue and an aloof demeanor contracting to flip her mother’s childhood home before selling it and returning to her life in New York. Inside she’s an emotionally fragile young woman at a crossroads struggling with the unrealistic demands and the expectations of a father who treats her like an employee. She has no idea that resisting Cameron’s infinite patience, his panty melting countenance, and his bulging muscles will prove to be a lost cause as she mightily struggles to find her identity. I loved Cameron’s patience, Ivy’s acerbic sparring style, and their incendiary chemistry just as much as I enjoyed the Wilder family’s welcoming arms, the irresistible snark of the Wilder siblings, and the strong bonds of love the family shares. The story also deals with the Wilder patriarch’s deteriorating struggle with terminal cancer in a heartbreakingly poignant yet uplifting storyline that was incredibly moving. This is storytelling at its finest and I loved every single minute of it....more
Wyatt and Hazel’s outlandishly comical and tender hearted romance features a quirky small town community divided by politics and Wyatt’s wealthy familWyatt and Hazel’s outlandishly comical and tender hearted romance features a quirky small town community divided by politics and Wyatt’s wealthy family who were separated by betrayal and misplaced family loyalty. Returning to Cold Springs for his brother Winston’s wedding, Wyatt’s immediate attraction to feisty, independent, pool shark Hazel is off limits thanks to a long time feud between their two families. Placed together during the wedding party planning and the upcoming festivities, Hazel valiantly feigns disinterest because of her loyalty to her family but her hopeless attraction to Wyatt’s gorgeous good looks, his charisma, and his genuine honesty is a losing battle. The story is comedically appealing as I giggled over Wyatt’s hilarious encounter with the mischievous town seamstress as the females in the wedding party stand by, and Hazel’s outrageously bawdy grey parrot Lester whose vocabulary is x-rated. This is my first Lauren Landish title and it won’t be my last due to the entertaining storytelling and the exceptional vocal acting talents of personal favorites CJ Bloom and Teddy Hamilton....more
The Stone saga continues as Chase and Alex’s newly discovered, half brother’s identity is revealed and Max enters a foreign world of unimaginable wealThe Stone saga continues as Chase and Alex’s newly discovered, half brother’s identity is revealed and Max enters a foreign world of unimaginable wealth and corporate intrigue. Max’s fateful interaction with a curiously principled tabloid reporter allows him to offer Sarah exclusive access where he and his half siblings can control the narrative. I liked the organic evolution of Max’s relationship with Sarah as he tests her honesty while her smarmy boss continuously demands sensational headlines while he threatens her job if she doesn’t produce. I really enjoyed the stages of Max’s evolving relationship with Chase and Alex as they search to reveal their father’s secrets and fight to keep control of their company. Max’s adjustment to his new life leads him on a journey to reveal his early years and to reconcile his abandonment issues as unseen enemies threaten the newfound family. Wonderful storytelling, fascinating and fallible characters, and Meg Sylvan’s entertaining narration performance had me engrossed from start to finish as I anxiously awaited the conclusion to the story....more
Beckett and Greer’s unconventional marriage merger has two goals. It allows Greer’s dying father his dream of walking one of his daughters down the aiBeckett and Greer’s unconventional marriage merger has two goals. It allows Greer’s dying father his dream of walking one of his daughters down the aisle while providing Beckett a year long opportunity to be a full time parent to his emotionally fragile daughter while her mother is out of the country. Without carefully considering all the ramifications of their roommates only arrangement, Beckett and Greer get more than the bargained for when they have to pretend in front of his 7 year old, wiser beyond her years, daughter to sell their ruse. Beckett’s stoic and analytical personality is upended when he’s constantly challenged by Greer’s fearless competence, and her outrageous spontaneity. I absolutely adored 7 year old Olive whose quiet, shy, artistic personality blooms under Greer’s attention. Watching her grow throughout the story gave me all the feels. The slow burn awareness between Greer and Beckett is slow going because of his strong principles as their plan to deceive has unforeseen consequences. It’s a great family saga with fascinating characters and I can’t wait to read more about the Wilder siblings....more
John and Holly’s meet cute unites an apartment complex handyman who leaves anonymous notes on the windshield of a hospice nurse who is caring for her John and Holly’s meet cute unites an apartment complex handyman who leaves anonymous notes on the windshield of a hospice nurse who is caring for her dying grandmother who lives in the same complex. It’s a poignant, melancholy, and hope filled tale with great narration by Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber....more
When the outside stairs to Seth and Charlotte’s apartment unit are accidentally torn down a protective and recently divorced arborist and an emotionalWhen the outside stairs to Seth and Charlotte’s apartment unit are accidentally torn down a protective and recently divorced arborist and an emotionally scarred, reclusive stalking victim find themselves connecting for the first time. Their story is both poignant, hopeful, and endearingly comical with a Beta fish named Swim Shady, an outrageously outspoken group of meddling old ladies, and their two best friends who provide support and comic relief. It’s the story of a powerless woman who finds the courage to stand up for herself and two lonely souls who find their soft places to fall. The appealing and entertaining dual narration performances by Julia Whelan and Connor Crais are chef’s kiss perfection!...more
Ryan and Emme’s marriage of convenience is a careful ruse set up by Ryan to marry his best friend, who is the love of his life, with the twofold premiRyan and Emme’s marriage of convenience is a careful ruse set up by Ryan to marry his best friend, who is the love of his life, with the twofold premise of sweetening his soccer development deal while helping her get revenge on a cheating ex. Their cherished friendship and absolute trust in each other lends believable credence to their temporary marriage as the best friends to lovers trope is beautifully explored with witty banter, steamy flirtation and close proximity intimacy that held me spellbound. Ryan is absolute book boyfriend perfection as he indulges Emme’s every wish with his considerable resources and his giving nature. The man buys her truckloads of the citrus she adores and pampers her endlessly while calling her wife with great affection! Emme is an often frazzled, bundle of anxiety with a truck load of childhood baggage and extremely painful endometriosis but she’s a sweet, trusting, and absolutely adorable bundle of contradictions. She’s totally deserving of Ryan’s soft place to fall and their romance is absolute perfection! Favorite memories include Ryan’s irreverent golden retriever teammates, the outrageous behavior of Emme’s grade school students, Ryan’s use of wifey, pocket square underwear, Daddy Football, and the appearance of beloved characters from In A Jam....more
Chase and Piper’s love story has everything I look for in a great book with fascinating characters and an appealing romance. A shocking inheritance unChase and Piper’s love story has everything I look for in a great book with fascinating characters and an appealing romance. A shocking inheritance unites Chase and his sister Alex in a race against time to find a long lost half brother they never knew to save their father’s hotel empire. Clueless as to how to proceed they reach out to their father’s recently fired personal assistant who proves invaluable as she exposes the inner workings of their estranged father’s company and his personal relationships. I loved Chase’s calm demeanor, his close relationship with his mother and sister, and his admiration of Piper’s brilliant competence. Alex is equally brilliant, accomplished, and gracious to a fault as the three characters work together to stall the board while searching for their brother Max. I really enjoyed the developing romance between Chase and Piper, the frissons of corporate intrigue, and the concerning machinations of their greedy former step mother. I listened to the audiobook version and I thoroughly enjoyed the entertaining narration performance of Meg Sylvan. This is the first book in a continuing series and I can’t wait to find out what happens next....more
I started this book with skepticism as I’m not usually a fan of crime procedurals but my trepidation quickly faded as I was drawn into the idyllic stoI started this book with skepticism as I’m not usually a fan of crime procedurals but my trepidation quickly faded as I was drawn into the idyllic story of a young love that irrevocably ends in disaster. Years later both lawmen are reunited by a grisly multiple murder case as their shattered hearts try to reconcile the past and their search for an elusive killer leads them on a fateful quest. The suspense plot is well executed and kept me glued to the pages but it’s the raw emotional intensity of the story that always gets me. Shane is an emotionally stilted loner with lingering psychological trauma from a life destroyed by his father’s lofty expectations. Dakota is a skillful and accomplished criminal investigator who hides his battered heart behind a mask of indifference. With raw emotions and painful revelations both men struggle to reconcile their past when a shocking turns of events rocks their world and threatens everything they hold dear. Tal Bauer’s beautifully descriptive and emotionally compelling storytelling exudes an appealing message of healing, inclusion, acceptance because in the end all that really matters is love....more
This story will rip your heart out before it mends it back together as an emotionally devastated and guilt ridden single dad struggles to reconnect wiThis story will rip your heart out before it mends it back together as an emotionally devastated and guilt ridden single dad struggles to reconnect with his embittered and grieving son. Luke volunteers for Emmet’s high school football team where fellow volunteer and single dad Landon, whose son Bowen is Emmet’s best friend, quickly becomes a trusted confidant, encourager, and best friend. I loved Landon’s gregarious personality, his commitment to living his truth, and the life saving support he provides for Luke who struggles with depression and feelings of worthlessness. As Thursday team dinners and Friday night games thaw the hostilities between father and son Luke and Landon’s attraction slowly leads to an all consuming passion. The romance and partnership between Luke and Landon held me spellbound as their commitment to each other and the love for their sons abounds. Tal Bauer’s gorgeously descriptive and emotionally compelling storytelling shines with illuminating prose and a message of positivity that’s inspiring. It’s a phenomenal MM romance with relatable characters and an incredibly emotional exploration of the familial themes of love, acceptance, commitment, and perseverance that are truly inspiring as in the end all that really matters in this life is love....more
Colton and Nick’s story is a tumultuous and incredibly moving continuation of The Jock when Colton’s life is shattered on the field and Nick steps up Colton and Nick’s story is a tumultuous and incredibly moving continuation of The Jock when Colton’s life is shattered on the field and Nick steps up to pick up the pieces. Unmoored with a devastating shoulder injury and months of recovery a helpless Colton moves in with Nick and starts a summer internship that draws the lonely men closer in familial congeniality that quickly turns to all consuming passion. Reeling from his wife’s hateful religious stance against their gay son, Nick mourns the family he had while Colton longs for one of his own. The romance and partnership between Colton and Nick held me spellbound while their idyllic summer soothes their loneliness and Tal Bauer’s gorgeously descriptive and emotionally compelling storytelling shines with illuminating prose and undeniable passion. When all hell breaks loose and their idyllic summer ends Colton is forced to dig deep to find the man he wants to be as Nick fights for his son’s love and a future he and Colton deserve. It’s a phenomenal romance with relatable and flawed characters and an incredibly emotional exploration of the familial themes of love, acceptance, commitment, and perseverance that are truly universal because in the end all that really matters is love....more
I was anxiously awaiting Hudson and Isabella’s story after they were introduced in the first two books in the series but was ultimately disappointed bI was anxiously awaiting Hudson and Isabella’s story after they were introduced in the first two books in the series but was ultimately disappointed by a mediocre suspense plot that found the characters stumbling around in the dark and a “romance� that was lukewarm at best. I expected the incendiary passion and tightly paced suspense I know this author is capable of but I couldn’t get past the ridiculousness of a 42 year old man who’s afraid to tarnish his honor and a 32 year old woman who allows her overprotective brothers to dictate her life. I needed an Alpha male filled with passion and possession, and a strong willed feisty heroine who stood on her own two feet but got a man afraid to go too far and a woman who needed a teddy bear to cope. Give me a break!! I have been thrilled by the voice acting talents of Ava Lucas and Connor Crais in previous Sahin books which is why I purchased the audiobook but their performances sadly suffered through no fault of their own because a lack of imagination and the slow paced mediocrity of this story....more
Wyatt and Noel’s unlikely opposites attract adventure is undeniably appealing as a lonely rancher/wine vintner with a tragic past rescues an emotionalWyatt and Noel’s unlikely opposites attract adventure is undeniably appealing as a lonely rancher/wine vintner with a tragic past rescues an emotionally devastated, hot mess of a city slicker in tails. Tal Bauer’s gorgeously descriptive and emotionally compelling storytelling shines with illuminating prose, old fashioned southern charm, and a friends to lovers relationship that suffers more than its share of stumbling blocks. It’s agony, ecstasy, wishes, hopes, and dreams all rolled up into an old fashioned, epic love story that kept me engrossed from start to finish. I loved Wyatt’s larger than life, gentle persona and the reverence he holds for his departed father, his family, his ranch and his community. I loved how Noel’s anxiety ridden insecurities are obliterated when he finally embraces his soft place to fall in Wyatt’s capable arms. How to Say I Do is magical storytelling at its finest with unforgettable characters, heart melting romance and a hopeful message of acceptance and inclusion that I highly recommend....more
Wes and Justin’s story is magical from the start as their foreign studies program becomes an idyllic Parisian interlude that shatters into an impossibWes and Justin’s story is magical from the start as their foreign studies program becomes an idyllic Parisian interlude that shatters into an impossible burden when Wes is torn between his team and the love of his life. Tal Bauer’s remarkable and lyrical storytelling always engages all my emotions from agony to ecstasy as I prayed for these two star crossed lovers who forced to keep their love hidden for the benefit of Wes’s team. I’ve never been a football fan so this this series was a huge and welcome awakening as I devoured all aspects of the male psyche and the testosterone filled bonding that turns a team of individuals into a cohesive family unit on the same drive for success. It’s a phenomenal romance, a homecoming between an estranged father and son, and a true test between two best friends and an entire campus of fans that was absolutely incredible. The familial themes of love, acceptance, commitment, and perseverance are universal because in the end all that really matters is love....more
Tal Bauer’s amazingly storytelling shines with a riveting MM sports romance between a jaded loner who would rather quit than suffer the indignity of pTal Bauer’s amazingly storytelling shines with a riveting MM sports romance between a jaded loner who would rather quit than suffer the indignity of playing for a failing franchise, and a recent Harvard graduate 8 years his junior who immediately captures his broken heart. The chemistry between Morgan and Shea is deliciously appealing as every touch and lingering glance leads to stolen kisses during late night strategy sessions while they lead their players through training, conditioning, and relationship bonding both on and off the ice. It’s an inspiring bromance between 20 players and their family members and a deliciously appealing romantic connection between two men starving for affection. I loved Morgan’s transformation from apathetic loner to father figure as the fresh out of high school, first year, players adopt him as their leader. I loved everything about Shea from his sensitive heart to his old fashioned values as Bauer writes beautifully descriptive, intense scenes that took me through a dull gamut of emotions. I loved the characters Brody and Lawson whose phenomenally romantic story continues in two free reads on Tal Bauer’s website if you haven’t already read it. A week later I’m still obsessed with these characters, the unforgettable hockey thrill ride, and the beautiful themes of tolerance and acceptance that made me wish The Rest of the Story never had to end....more
Monroe and Juliet’s dating experiment is an interesting take on modern dating disasters as Juliet struggles to find a connection and Monro3 1/2 stars!
Monroe and Juliet’s dating experiment is an interesting take on modern dating disasters as Juliet struggles to find a connection and Monroe invents a convenient premise to keep her away from undesirable matches. The close proximity, small town, rekindled chemistry tropes combined with the house-of-sin shenanigans shows some imagination though the short length of the story hampers the execution. I did love the dichotomy of therapist Monroe’s multitude of insecurities as he counsels his patients about their own and Juliet’s sincere belief in finding her special someone even as she’s disappointed time and again. The story is pleasant enough but it’s the exceptional vocal acting skills of Andi Arndt and Jacob Morgan that take it to the next level....more
Ryland and Gabby’s romance is the perfect way to end this series as the grumpy, single, loving uncle/dad meets his match in a feisty, spi4 & 1/2 stars
Ryland and Gabby’s romance is the perfect way to end this series as the grumpy, single, loving uncle/dad meets his match in a feisty, spirited, sexy-as-sin assistant baseball coach. The steamy chemistry between them is incendiary since their constant bickering is their foreplay and the added complication of past emotional trauma and the youthful antics of 4 year old Mackenzie make for a heartwarming and emotionally rewarding story. I absolutely adored the audiobook which features dual vocal acting performances by Samantha Brentmoor whose multi character acting range is unbelievable and Sebastian York who shines as the grumpy, dirty talking, bossy uncle/dad Ryland. The epilogue is chef’s kiss!...more
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